Rossi

STILL haven't had a chance to see this movie. This is just supposed to be a fun movie using a famous battle as a backdrop, but, as a teacher, I can't help dropping at least a little knowledge! In answer to a question a page or two back - No, the Persians did not use elephants at Thermopylae. In fact, in an effort to save time and supplies, Xerxes had to move his massive army over large boats that were lashed together - making a bridge of sorts. Yes, I know, that's a helluva' lot of boats! There is no way that the Persians could have used elephants, rhinos, or giants (but I bet it looked cool in the movie)! Something tells me that Pressfield's Gates of Fire will not be made into a movie now (screenplay was in the works 2003-2004) because Miller's 300 beat it to the punch. Too bad. Of the two, I would have wanted to see Pressfield's on the big screen more. We already had Miller's version in pretty colors on the page! That, and Pressfield's book was far more descript and accurate. If Steven Pressfield's name sounds familiar, by the way, you may remember him better as the author of The Legend of Baggar Vance. Anyway, I've appreciated the honest comments! It sounds like I need to see this movie in IMAX.

Warmaker, I hope you enjoy it! There's no way I'll get my wife to go and see this flick with me. Looks like it's time to give my buddies a call! Skullsixx, thank you for the kind words! Like most people, I had plenty of good teachers and bad teachers while i was growing up. I've learned how to teach and how NOT to teach from both types, if you know what I mean! I try to make my social studies and language arts classes as "user friendly" as possible. I always try to work in some strange and interesting facts about whatever topic we're covering. They love the story of Thermopylae, and I know some of them would love to see the new movie. Problem is, they're 6th-graders! No way in hell would I suggest taking these kids to such a graphic movie! I have shown them bits from the 60s movie, The 300 Spartans, but it isn't really the same... I have heard that there was a screenplay for Gates of Fire out there. I wonder if it has been scrapped due to the release of 300? Hope not - in my opinion, it would be a terrifice movie as well.

Expect the ultimate "guy movie" from this one...It looks great, and I think Miller's graphic novel translated very well onto the big screen (with only a few changes here and there). If you're looking for something that is a little more historically accurate, yet still filled with interesting characters and drama, I strongly suggest reading Steven Pressfield's book, Gates of Fire. Surprislingly, this was a pretty quick read, and you really become quite attached to many of the men doomed to fall at Thermopylae. If you enjoy your history with a splash of historical fiction, and you're interested in learning more about the Spartans, you'll love it. Last night, the History Channel actually showed a two-hour special on the battle at Thermopylae. They had reenactments, an overview of the Spartan lifestyle, and Persian vs. Greek strategy...Very interesting! But, then again, I am a teacher...Maybe I'm biased because I teach ancient civilizations to my middle school students? Could be...

Personally, I think your avatar is the coolest... Cool pics...I'm not a toy guy, but the detail in the models always impresses me.

Too true...There are a few of us over there, though, that aren't impressed. For the length of time spent waiting for more Robotech (games, episodes, merchandise, etc...) I would think more people would be disappointed with the final products being distributed. Guess not...I'm not saying that these products completely lack quality, it's obvious that a lot of people worked very hard, but I just feel like much of what has recently been released doesn't capture the same Robotech/Macross mojo... Incidently, the deleted post I mentioned earlier has appeared in yet another forum. First it was moved to Series & Stories, now it is in the production forum. Eh, whatever. They own the site; they might as well lose a few negative posts here and there...

Like many people on this site, I'm sure, Robotech was my stepping-stone into a much bigger and better world of animation. I loved the characters, music, and the fact that the pilots didn't parachute from their planes at the last minute "G.I.Joe style"...Robotech had a storyline. Sure, the storyline was full of holes, but it was a hell of a lot better than some of the other shows that were taking up space. Neeedless to say, I was/am a fan. Skip ahead a few years...I find out that Robotech is nothing more than three separate shows hacked and slashed together in order to air in the U.S. Super...I guess it's pretty impressive that Macek was even able to make three different stories fit together (loosely) at all. I also hear that Robotech is actually based on a show called Macross. Okay, I guess I'll check it out. Enter a few bootleg VHS tapes and too much free time and I'm hooked. Much better than Robotech! Do I still love Robotech? Love is such a strong word, but, yes, I do still enjoy Robotech. Do I love RT:TSC? That's another paragraph... I was able to catch The Shadow Chronicles when it came to Connecticut. I have to admit, seeing any anime on the big screen is impressive, but I was immediately drawn to how artificial some of the CGI vehicles and backgrounds were. The animation was decent, but it lacked personality; it basically looked like everything else that is currently on the shelf at your local Best Buy...You know, spiked hair, frowns, large chests...Meh. The sound was fantastic, and the voices were well done. It was great that HG released something for the fans, but I can't help feeling let down. I would have gladly waited another six months to a year for a superior product. Am I being critical of HG and RT:TSC over at Rt.com? Yes. Does it matter? Not really...Like someone mentioned earlier, people are just so happy to have something new to talk about that they'll love anything you throw at them. I've even noticed that at least one thread that was critical of the movie has disappeared. I posted in the "Robotech.com" forum regarding this matter out of curiousity. I almost feel like HG might be trying to keep the negative feedback to a minimum on their site. Can't say that I blame them... Anyway, just figured that I'd share my thoughts and opinions...As a Robotech fan, I am very disappointed...

The only thing about RT:TSC that is known for certain is that it will be released in early 2007. Neat. I saw it when it was shown in Connecticut...It wasn't awful...It was nice to see something new from HG, but it was also a little disappointing to see how average it was. Especially if you're a fan and you've been waiting for something new for so long.

I've convinced a few of my buddies to dress up as the "Deal, or No Deal?" girls...Should be pretty funny (in a dudes-in-dresses-carrying-briefcases sort of way...). I, unfortunately, will not be able to attend. My neighborhood gets swamped with hundreds of kids every year; if I left my wife alone...She'd kill me. We just moved into the town last year. I couldn't believe my eyes when I pulled onto my street! Cars were parked on all sides, and there were quads pulling kids on flatbeds up to the top of the street. Unbelieveable...I was reminded of the famous quote from Jaws when I realized we only had four bags of candy to give out: "We're gonna need a bigger boat..."

Some people will buy anything, I guess...I knew that there were toys...AND I seem to remember them having magnets on their feet. I never had any of these toys ('Joe and Transformers kept me plenty busy), but my buddy used to have the white jet-shuttle-thingy...

These were toys too, right? I seem to recall them being on the smaller side...

Very nicely put, Fortess...Thanks! I will be seeing this film on Saturday morning, so I'll be sure to add my two cents then. I would also like to point out that Miller's Daredevil was the best I have ever seen or read! The Hand story arcs were very entertaining...Stick was "Yoda-esque" in a blunt, trucker-sort-of-way! The Dark Knight Returns was great, and his Batman: Year One was outstanding...

The noir aspect of the movie intrigues me; Miller's characters AND the backgrounds have a darkness to them that will hopefully translate well on the big screen. From what little I've seen, I'm excited to check it out! I'm also not sold on the whole "Tarantino Cool" thing...I really don't think he lives up to the hype.

Family Guy is vulgar and crude...I love it. I own both DVD sets, and they were worth every penny. Season 3's "Mr. Saturday Night" is frickin' sweet! Peter and jousting...Awesome.

Honestly, he looks like the Statue of Liberty's pimp... I figured I'd join, look around for a week or so, then make myself known. This was just too good to pass up, however...